VOTING
What a Jesus-follower should consider when voting.
As in all areas of our life, Christians should first turn to Scripture for guidance. The Bible doesn’t speak directly about how we should vote, whom we should vote for, or even whether a country should make voting compulsory or not. But there is a verse in Jeremiah that I reckon should help shape our decision: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (29:7 - NIV).
This was written to the Israelites when they were exiled in Babylon. Author and pastor John Piper says, “If that were true for God’s exiles in Babylon, it would seem even more true for Christian exiles in this very ‘Babylonian’ world.”
So, using the approach of Jeremiah 29:7, we, as citizens who have been placed in Forster-Tuncurry by God for His purposes, should 'seek the welfare' of our region.
We want those who are vulnerable, to be protected. Those who are disadvantaged, to be helped. Those who are sick, to be cared for. Those getting old, to be served. Those looking for work, to have ample opportunities. For our part of Creation to be well stewarded, our industries to thrive, and our people to have the chance to hear about Jesus.
All in all, we should vote for what we justifiably believe will promote the common good for the people in our region.
So, as we do this - whether at a state or federal level - here are a few thoughts for consideration:
1) Have a crack at actually voting and not just turning up...!
Seems like an odd thing to say; however, when it comes to voting, lots of people - including Christians - prefer to bury their heads in the sand.
They perhaps feel their vote won't make a difference.
Or they think, 'no one knows who they'll vote for, so if, in the end, it wasn't a great vote - who really cares?'
Plus, most of us are pretty busy, and this just seems like another thing that we now need to do.
But, taking 5-10 minutes to get your head around who the major candidates are, what they believe, and what they stand for can go a long way in voting well.
Depending on what type of election just Google who the candidates are in the Myall Lakes and you'll be directed to their websites and policies.
Even just having a quick scan of some of their significant policies will help you determine their main objectives.
2) Do their policies look after our most vulnerable?
God has a huge heart for the 'orphan and the widow', the 'refugee', and the 'elderly' (Deut 10:18, Jam 1:27, Lev 19:32). A heart that desires His people to look after those who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged, or in need of protection.
I reckon it's worth scanning your eyes over a candidate's policies about aged care facilities & budgets, asylum seekers, and helping those in our society who are on struggle street.
You may fit into some of these categories, so you are keenly interested in what they promise to provide. For many, we may not. But it's worth asking, 'am I voting because I want things to be better for me?' or am I considering those in need more than myself?
3) Do their policies hinder or help spiritual opportunities?
Make no mistake - your purpose in living in this region revolves around the Gospel. It has to. Because, in Christ, your life is all about the Gospel. So, if we hold to the standard of 'promoting the common good' for our area, then the most 'good' thing is the Good News of Jesus. He is the only one that will bring real, lasting, eternity-changing good to our region.
Does the candidate have policies restricting or wishing to eradicate SRE from public schools? Or, to enforce independent or Christian schools to employ teachers that don't subscribe to their Statement of Beliefs? To essentially hinder the movement and sharing of the Gospel. Then these are certainly policies to be aware of.
Nothing will ever stop the Gospel from being shared, but as believers, we want to help promote the Good News, not vote to hinder it.
4) God tells us what to do regardless of who wins the election.
It can be frustrating and disheartening when things don't turn out how you think they should. But our 'promoting the common good' doesn't stop because who we voted for failed to get in. We remember that God is sovereign over all things - including which Government or person is in power at any given time.
Paul writes in Romans 13:1 'Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.'
And don't forget, Paul was writing this to those who were living under Roman rule, which was incredibly hostile towards Christ-followers. And yet, God is fully in control and uses all things - including leadership of all kinds - for His glory and our good.
Knowing this helps us to be able to pray for those in leadership over us. Whether we agree with them or not. Whether we want them in power or not. We are to pray.
That God would show mercy on them and bring them to salvation in Him.
That they would have wisdom and compassion as they lead.
That they would protect the vulnerable.
That their decisions would be for the common good of our region, state, or country.
As Paul later writes to Timothy, he says, 'I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Saviour...' (1 Tim 2)
So, when it comes time to vote - whether in the next week or two - or in decades to come, we want to give praise to God that we live in a country that allows us to have a say - and as we vote for what we justifiably believe will promote the common good for the people in our region, it becomes an act of worship to a God who cares deeply about Forster-Tuncurry and those of us who are passing through on the way Home.